1. Avett Brothers

The band is comprised of brothers-Scott and Seth Avett, Bob Crawford, and Joe Kwon. Reigning from North Carolina, they were most recently the subject of a documentary. The documentary titled “May it Last” followed the band for over two years as they released their album “True Sadness” in 2016.

Using the recording process as a backdrop, the film depicts a lifelong creative partnership put to the test as band members undergo marriage, divorce, parenthood, illness, and the challenges of the music business. More than just a concert documentary, May it Last is a meditation on family, love, and the passage of time.

This bluegrass-pop band was recently nominated for the Best Americana Album of the Year 2017 for “True Sadness.” Watch their video for “Ain’t No Man.” Follow Avett Brothers on Facebook for the latest updates.

2. Langhorne Slim

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A returning artist to the Pilgrimage Festival, if you missed Langhorne Slim the first time, here’s your second chance. Slim has toured with Cake, The Avett Brothers, Drive-By Truckers and Grace Potter, just to name a few. In October 2016, “Put It Together” was used in a Coca-Cola commercial. There’s new music on the way, Lost at Last Vol. 1 will be released on November 10th. Follow Langhorne Slim on Facebook for the latest updates.

3. Trombone Shorty

Troy Andrews, known as Trombone Shorty – a nickname given to him by his brother when he was younger as his trombone was taller than him at that point, calls New Orleans home but his sound is more complex than the typical New Orleans music. He’s played with Zac Brown, Dierks Bentley, and Lenny Kravitz. In addition to the trombone, he plays the guitar, piano, drums, bass, baritone, and trumpet. Follow Trombone Shorty on Facebook for the latest updates.

4. Fitz and the Tantrums

Created in 2008, their song “Handclap” released in January of 2016 was streamed over 1 million times the first week of release on Spotify. This summer the band has been opening for One Republic. In a recent interview, Michael Fitzpatrick (Fitz) said the band likes to bring a dance party. We say bring on the Sunday Funday at Pilgrimage! Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.

5. Amanda Shires

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The newly awarded Americana Emerging Artist of the Year, Shires began her career as a teenager playing fiddle with the Texas Playboys. Other artists, she’s toured and recorded with include John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Todd Snider, Justin Townes Earle, Shovels & Rope, and most recently her husband Jason Isbell. Shires just released her fifth solo album “My Piece of Land” continuing to showcase not only her fiddle playing but her vocal prowess.

Donna is one of those former corporate types (Xerox) who wanted to try something new. She went from marketing to blogger and now Style Editor, and is always on the look out for what’s trending in restaurants, new stores, charity events and entertainment. To keep up the pace, Donna is usually found drinking at least one Cold Brew coffee a day or on a busy day make it two.